Saranac Lake man dies in Saratoga Springs crash

July 29, 2008

SARANAC LAKE - A Saranac Lake man was identified as the victim in a fatal one-car accident in Saratoga Springs over the weekend.

According to police, Michael Thompson, 50, was traveling south on Nelson Avenue Extension at about 7 p.m. Sunday when his black 2008 Ford Fusion crossed the road and went down a 15-foot embankment, striking a tree.

Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene by Saratoga County Coroner John DeMartino.

"The cause of death was massive internal injuries," DeMartino said. "He had a ruptured heart, a fractured skull and a broken neck."

Saratoga Springs police Sgt. John Catone said speed is likely to have been a factor.

"Our investigation indicates that he was going faster that the posted 45-miles-per-hour speed limit," Catone said, adding that Thompson was not wearing his seat belt.

According to police, it is believed that Thompson was heading toward Interstate 87 on his way home from the Saratoga race tracks, where he had spent the afternoon.

Catone said accident investigators were stationed at the race tracks directing traffic when the a motorist called in the accident.

"Someone driving by saw the car in the embankment," Catone said. "It would not have been long after the accident occurred; it is a heavily traveled road."

Thompson was a salesman at High Peaks Ford in Ray Brook, where he had worked for just over a year.